30 January 2016

Charles Barberan's conversion of a penalty kick in the 11 th minute was all it took for the Negros team to get past Cavite FA yesterday to march into the finals tomorrow against Davao for the inaugural title of the PFF Smart U22 National Championship at the Panaad Stadium.

With two key players serving a one game suspension due to accumulated yellow cards, NOFA head coach John Carmona said the changes in their first eleven affected their offense.

Still, the 1-0 win against the NCAA champions from Arellano University, who composed the Cavite lineup, was an added prestige to the host team, Carmona said.

While defense was tight and timely interceptions foiled Cavite's attempts to press on towards the goal, Carmona said finishing remained a problem to them.

“We're doing good with the corners and set pieces but we need to work on our finishing,” Carmona said.

After sitting out the semifinal yesterday, defenders Joshua Dotusme and Regie Cineros will be back tomorrow for the championship match.

Equally preparing for the 3 p.m. final tomorrow is Davao FA, who turned back Misamis Occ.-Ozamiz FA, 5-2, in the other semi final match.

Despite the win, Davao head coach Ramonito Carreon said the team had some difficulty adjusting to the afternoon heat at the Panaad Stadium yesterday but they were able to adjust and went out to dominate MICOFA.

Against the host team NOFA tomorrow, Carreon said they will give their best and do some adjustments in their game plan.

“The Negros team is strong and they have the home advantage. They have foreign players. But football is a unique game with both teams having a 50-50 chance. We will just do our best,” Carreon said.

Of the five goals made by Davao yesterday, four were scored by Warren Ravanes in the 6 th ,38 th , 55 th , and 71 st minute while James Enegente accounted for the other goal in the 70 th minute.

With one match left in the competition, NOFA president and host Ricky Yanson called on the Negrenses to come to the Panaad tomorrow for the championship game.

Playing for third place at 8 a.m. tomorrow will be Cavite FA and MiCOFA.

The finals will be preceded at 1:30p.m. by the friendly match between the Negros Occidental and Iloilo elementary teams that will see action in the Negros Island and Western Visayas regional meets, respectively.*NAB

29 January 2016

BACOLOD CITY - Negros Occidental leaned on a Charles Barberan penalty kick to nip Cavite, 1-0, Friday and advance to the finals of the PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championship at Panaad Stadium here.

The 18-year-old Barberan, a University of St. La Salle standout, was on target from the spot in the 15th minute, lifting the hosts to the title game where it will face either Davao or Misamis Occidental for the crown on Sunday.

Davao and Misamis Occidental were slated to play in the second semifinal late Friday.

Negros’ Nigerian striker Eli Usman was brought down inside the box and Barberan stepped up to cooly plant the ball to the top corner for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

The hosts couldn’t find a second goal despite numerous attempts in the second half, but coach John Carmona expressed satisfaction over the play of his side.

“We dominated the game and dictated the flow so I’m happy with that,” said Carmona.

“But we have to get better in finishing off our chances. We’re fortunate Cavite wasn’t able to capitalize with the chances that they also had.”

Cavite, whose core is made up of NCAA champion Arellano University, got top striker Charles Gamutan back from suspension.

But the Cavitenos opted to take a more defensive approach, absorbing pressure before putting players forward for possible counterattacks.

One counterattack in the opening half almost led to the equaliser but Gamutan who scored for Arellano in the NCAA finals against San Beda sent his effort wide on a breakaway opportunity.

Negros missed defenders Joshua Otusme and Reggie Sisneros after they picked up their second yellow cards of the tournament in the 3-0 win over North Cotabato in the quarterfinals.

But the Negrenses still coped with the speed of Cavite’s players up front, while carving our chances for themselves.

Usman missed a couple of clear-cut chances, while Madi Taniform, who scored a classy goal against Cotabato also fired an effort wide in the second half.

“We just need more composure in front of goal, but at least we’re in the finals,” said Carmona. “I’m hoping that we can play better in the next game.”

28 January 2016

BACOLOD CITY - A shorthanded Cavite side slipped past Bukidnon, 2-1, Wednesday to forge a semifinal showdown with host Negros Occidental in the PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championship at Panaad Stadium here.

Missing key players due to suspension, the Caviteños needed goals from Spencer Galasa and Ronald Espinosa in the second half to overcome a Bukidnon side that constantly threatened on the counter-attack.

“I’m glad the players responded to the challenge,” said Cavite coach Ravelo Saluria in Filipino. “Our main strikers did not play and we had to improvise in the second half, but I’m happy everything turned out well since Bukidnon is a strong team.”

Misamis Occidental also clinched a place in the semifinals after a 4-0 rout of Cordillera at North Field in Talisay City.

The Misamis booters scored all four goals inside the final 10 minutes as they advanced to the Final Four opposite powerhouse Davao, which waylaid Camarines Norte, 10-0, in another quarterfinal duel.

Just when it looked like the match was headed to extra time, Paul Salahit found the back of the net for Misamis in the 82nd minute, setting off a barrage of goals capped by Kens Dimagna-ong’s injury-time strike.

Reymart Pepania pounced on a deflated Cordillera defense to double the advantage two minutes after Salahit scored before Ericson Tabaranza sealed the rout with another close-range strike.

After a dull first half which saw both teams hardly creating any clear-cut scoring opportunities, Cavite took the lead two minutes after the restart when the 17-year-old Galasa fired a right-footed volley from just outside the box.

But Bukidnon equalized a minute later with Philip Cesar Palamine tapping home from close range after a goalkeeper error.

Espinosa, a sophomore at Arellano U, who hails from Santa Barbara, Iloilo, broke the deadlock again in the 67th minute with a powerful strike at the edge of the penalty box, sending the Cavitenos to a semifinal collision with the Negrenses, who overwhelmed North Cotabato, 3-0, last Wednesday.

Host Negros Occidental Football Association blanked North Cotabato, 3-0, as they advanced into the semifinals of the PFF –Smart U22 Amateur Championship yesterday at the North Ceres Football Field in Talisay City.
The semifinals will be held with NOFA facing NCAA champions Arellano University, representing Cavite FA, at the Panaad Stadium 8 a.m. tomorrow.
Davao FA and Mizamis Occidental-Ozamis FA will battle in the other semifinal match scheduled 3 p.m. also at the Panaad.
Against North Cotabato yesterday, NOFA showed dominance as 18-year-old Nigerian striker Usman Ilimona scored the first goal for the host team in the 7 th minute.
As North Cotabato tried to plug holes in their defense, NOFA had some difficulty in finishing allowing the Mindanao team to set up a couple of good plays as they trailed 0-1 at the end of the first half.
“I reminded our players that they need to put their acts together if they want to win the game. At times, our strikers are too eager to score,” NOFA head coach John Carmona said, adding that they need to work on their finishing touches.
NOFA was more focused in the second half with Jeff Paparon scoring a scrappy goal in the 59 th minute for a 2-0 lead. Cameroon national Madi Taliform sealed the win in the 85 th minute.
“Motivation is the key on our foreign players. They listen and respond well to the instructions. The rest of the team need to be reminded that football is a 90-minute game and the first 10 to 15 minutes is crucial,” coach Carmona said as NOFA prepares for the semifinal collision against Cavite FA tomorrow.
With Usman, Paparan, and Taniform in NOFA's first elevent yesterday were Charles Barbran, Jo Warren Bedia, Kent Guevarra, Joshua Dotusme, Nessi Ramos, Geovani Santos, Reggie Cisneros, and goalkeeper Angelo Ledesma.
Meanwhile, the Ravelo Saluria-mentored Cavite FA prevailed, 2-1, after encountering strong resistance from Bukidnon FA yesterday afternoon at the Panaad Stadium.
With both teams failing to score in the first half, adjustments were made in the second half with Spencer Galasa sending the ball into net to score for Cavite in the 47 th minute.
Not to be easily intimidated, Bukidnon kept their composure with Ronald Espinosa receiving a pass just on top of the goal for an equializer.
“It was a fast game in the sense that it was anybody's game. We replaced some players in the second half and our strategy worked,” Saluria said.
Against NOFA tomorrow, Saluria said everybody knows that Negros is a strong team.
Davao advanced into the semifinals by beating Camarines Norte, 10-0, while Mizamis made it to the top four by getting past Baguio-Benguet FA, 4-0.*NAB

Members of the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) start their bid today for the title against North Cotabato in the quarterfinals of the PFF-Smart National U22 Amateur Championship at the North Ceres Football Field in Talisay City.

NOFA and North Cotabato FA are scheduled to play at 8 a.m., while at 2:30 p.m. Mizamis Occidental-Ozamis FA will tackle Baguio-Benguet.

Scheduled to play at the Panaad field today in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City are Davao FA against Camarines Norte at 8 a.m. and Bukidnon against Cavite in the afternoon match.

Winners in today's matches will advance into the semifinals on Friday at the Panaad pitch.

The eight teams, including host NOFA, are clashing for the first U22 Amateur Championship organized by the Philippine Football Federation and Smart Communications.

The tournament, which started October last year, is a platform for the country's younger player to develop and showcase their footballing skills while scouting for potential members of the Philippine team to the ASEAN competition.

Of the top eight U22 teams that advanced into the quarterfinals, three are from Luzon including Baguio-Benguet FA, Cavite FA, and Camarines Norte. NOFA is the sole representative from Visayas, while the four teams from Mindanao are Bukidnon FA, Davao FA, North Cotabato FA, and Mizamis Occidental-Ozamis FA.

The eight finalists bested 21 other groups from across the country and will compete in the single match elimination for the quarterfinals and the semifinals before reaching the final.

Up for grabs for the winning team is a cash prize of P100,000, while the second placer will take home P75,000. The third and fourth placers will get cash prizes worth P50,000 and P25,000, respectively.

25 January 2016

THE UNITED Football League will have fewer foreign players seeing action for clubs starting this season based on the limit set by the Asian Football Confederation.

Acting on a directive from the Philippine Football Federation, UFL clubs will only have five foreign players in their lineups, four of whom can be listed in the 18-man roster for matchday. One of the four foreign players should be an Asian player.

The old rule allows an unlimited number of players in the matchday squad but limits five foreign players on the pitch at any given time.

“We have to follow the AFC directive since we are also participating in the AFC Cup,” said PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes. “This decision will benefit our homegrown players as they will now have more opportunities to get slots with UFL teams.”

Ceres-La Salle and Kaya will represent the country in the AFC Cup starting next month.

Gastanes said players based abroad who signed for UFL clubs will also be required to submit an International Transfer Certificate that clears them from any commitment with their previous clubs.

“They should be registered with the PFF, otherwise they cannot play in the UFL,” Gastanes said.

The UFL season starts Feb. 6 with the UFL Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

23 January 2016

Deprived of titles last season, powerhouse Global FC beefed up its lineup for the United Football League Cup starting next month with the acquisition of a Swedish first division veteran who could also suit up for the Philippine Azkals.

The 2014 UFL League titlists signed Filipino-Iranian midfielder Omid Nazari early this month as they continued to revamp their roster following a tumultuous season that also saw Global finish second to Ceres in the league and missing out on an AFC Cup berth.

Nazari has long been a target of Global chief executive Dan Palami who also hopes the midfielder can get the necessary requirements to play for the national team as his mother is a Filipino.

The 24-year-old Nazari, who saw action for Swedish powerhouse Malmo in 2011, has already played five friendly matches for the Iranian team during a training camp in 2012.

But since he did not play in an official competition, he is still eligible to switch “sporting nationalities.”

Nazari has a younger brother, Amin, who currently plays for Falkenbergs in the Swedish first division.

“Omid is already making an impact with the club in training,” said Palami. “He’s helping some of our local players improve and gain confidence. He will be a big help with his skills and experience, but I am also hoping to have him in the national team.”

Philippine Football Federation general secretary Ed Gastanes said Nazari would have to follow Fifa’s process to switch countries, starting with securing a Philippine passport.

“If he is indeed called up and decides to play for the Philippines, we have to file his case with the Fifa players’ status committee for him to switch sporting nationalities from Iran to the Philippines,” Gastanes said.

The PFF official said the federation did the same with Luke Woodland last year since the Fil-British midfielder saw action for England at the youth level.

21 January 2016

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
Ceres-La Salle FC is not taking their opponents lightly. This was stressed by Ceres FC head coach Ali Go during yesterday’s press conference. The club will play against Selangor FC (Malaysia) on February 23 and Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd. on May 10 for the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup Group E Qualifiers at the Panaad Park and Stadium. Their games will continue on April 12 against Tampines Rovers FC (Singapore) at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Go said although they have reviewed videos of Selangor and Tampines Rovers’ previous matches, these teams might have undergone recent developments.

“We look into these teams seriously. They are strong teams in their respective leagues,” he added. And to ensure that the Bacolod-based club is ready against their AFC counterparts, the Ceres FC will have tune-up matches against JP Voltes on January 26 and Stallions on January 28 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and at the Laguna field, respectively.

On February 1 and 3, Ceres FC will face Balestier Khalsa FC and Albirex Niigata Singapore FC, respectively, in Singapore.

Both Balestier Khalsa and Albirex Niigata play with Singapore’s S. League. The latter is a satellite team of Albirex Niigata of Japan, and its players come from Japan. With the acquisition of Fil-German standouts Stephan Schröck and Kevin Ingreso, Go said there’s no doubt that the team is stronger now.

“The addition of Schröck and Ingreso are of big help to the team. We became a deeper team as our first eleven and second team can play at a given time. Hopefully, we’re ready before our first match,” he added.

“They are experienced players,” Go stressed, “but this is a team sport. All players will have to work hard and the cohesion of the team is very important to score a win. Though Ceres became a strong team with Schröck and Ingreso in the roster, 1 or 2 or even 9 players cannot beat a team of 11 that play as a team. We have to play as a team to make all players count.”On why he chose Ceres FC, Schröck said his team in Germany (SpVgg Greuther Fürth) asked him to search for another club to play. Although there were offers from teams in the Middle East, he wanted to play for the Philippines because “I was happy with the Philippines and wanted to play for the UFL.”Ingreso, on his part, said it was Patrick Reichelt and Manny Ott who talked to him and told him good things about Ceres.

The United Football League 2016 season kicks off Feb. 6 with 12 teams, including defending champion Kaya FC, vying for the prestigious UFL Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Unlike last season when the season started with the staging of the league competition, the UFL gets going with the group stage of the Cup, the draw of which is slated on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
With 12 teams in the field, there will be two groups of six teams with the Top 4 from each bracket advancing to the knockout stage.
Kaya ruled the UFL Cup last season by defeating league champion Ceres-La Salle in the finals last August.
Victory in the UFL Cup handed Kaya a berth in the AFC Cup, along with Ceres which also gained a spot in the continental tournament after capturing the league title early last year. The UFL has compressed the field this season with second division teams merging with the top-flight for a 12-team cast. Global, the league winner in 2014, is also expected to contend for the crown along with Loyola Meralco and Stallion. Green Archers hope to build on their strong showing last season.
Other clubs seeing action include second division winners JP Voltes and Laos as well as former division two clubs Agila, Nomads and Pasargad.
Starting this season, the league will be applying the AFC rule that allows each club to have four foreigners in the lineup for gameday, including one Asian player.
Games will still be aired over Aksyon TV. Ticket prizes is still pegged at P100 with students, senior citizens and PWDs free of charge.

BY NIDA BUENAFEFilipino-German midfielder and Philippine Azkals mainstay Stephan Schrock arrived in Bacolod City yesterday to join the Ceres-La Salle FC as the squad prepares for the Group E qualifiers of the AFC Cup 2016.
Schrock said it has always been his dream to play in the Philippines and he is glad to be part of the Ceres team.
“First of all I have to fit in into the team and get back on my daily training,” Schrock told local sports reporters.
While he was not yet able to talk to head coach Ali Go about the details of his role in the team, Schrock said he is ready to play any position the coach would assign him.
Despite receiving offers to play for teams in the Middle East, Thailand and another club in Germany, the quick footed midfielder said “the only (thing) I am happy with was to play in the Philippines.”
Schrock said he will be playing for Ceres until middle of August while on loan from SpVgg Greuther Fürth, his club in Germany.
Meanwhile, coach Go describes Schrock's entry into the team as “big” as he is a very experienced player whose work ethic will push all players to their potential.
“He is an impact player who could change the result of a game,” coach Go said, adding that the Fil-German has a dynamic pace and can read the game well.
“But this is a team sport, all players will have to work hard and cohesion or playing as a team is important for the win,” the coach emphasized.
Schrock's inclusion into the Ceres FC lineup is a booster to the team's chances in the qualifiers of the AFC 2016 where they will face the Tampines/Warriors of Singapore, Selangor of Malaysia, and Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi of Bangladesh in Group E.
Two of three home games of Ceres will be played at Panaad Stadium while the third is scheduled at Rizal Memorial Complex.
The Panaad games will be on Feb. 23 against Malaysia and on May 10 against Bangladesh on May 10.
The Rizal Memorial match against Singapore is scheduled on April 12.
The Ceres away games are on March 8 in Bangladesh, March 15 in Singapore and April 26 in Malaysia.

Arellano U played inspired ball and pulled off a stunning 2-0 victory over league powerhouse San Beda Tuesday to snare its first ever title in the 91st NCAA football tournament at the Rizal Football Field.

Charles Vincent Gamutan and Jumbeng Guinabang delivered the decisive goals as the Chiefs completed their fairy tale run and snared their first football championship since they joined the league six years ago.

The win also ended San Beda’s five-year domination of the sport while finally giving Arellano its first title after two failed attempts in 2012 and 2013 when the latter was denied twice by the former.

Saluria also thanked the school for constructing its own football field complete with athletes’ dormitory in Lagro, Quezon City.

“That was big factor, that football field. It gave us a venue to really train,” said Saluria.

Arellano U thus sealed its second title of the year after also topping men’s chess in the first semester last year.

San Beda, which owns a league-best 22 crowns including the last five, missed the services of striker Connor Tacagni, who was assessed a second yellow card in their 2-1 win over Arellano U last Saturday that forged a one-game title clash, and skipper Matt Asong, who sat out due to injury.

In juniors’ play, St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills came back from 1-3 down in the first half with a strong second half effort to eke out a 5-3 victory and seal the high school championship.

18 January 2016

Preparations are in high gear for the home games of the Ceres La Salle FC qualifiers for Group E of the AFC Cup 2016.
Two of three homes will be played at Panaad Stadium while the third is scheduled at Rizal Memorial Complex.
The preparations were detailed in a conference of committees for the hosting held Saturday at Luxur Hotel.
At the conference, Nicolas Golez, Ceres FC administrator, speaking in behalf of club owner Leo Rey Yanson, said they are working to ensure the utmost safety of teams and spectators as he thanked the committees for their unity and cooperation.
Warren Concepcion, Ceres FC competition committee head, said two home games are scheduled at Panaad while the third will be held at Rizal Memorial Complex, as the April 12 schedule coincides with the staging of the Panaad Festival.
The two Panaad games are against Selangor FC of Malaysia on Feb. 23 and Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd. of Bangladesh on May 10.
The Rizal Memorial match will be played against Singapore's Tanpines Rovers FC on April 12.
The Ceres away games are scheduled on March 8 in Bangladesh, March 15 in Singapore and April 26 in Malaysia.
Roland Treyes, general secretary of the Negros Occidental Football Association, who was among those at the meeting, assured the committee of NOFA's all-out support to the hosting of the games.*AVDC

17 January 2016

NATIONAL football team star Stephan Schrock is looking forward to rejuvenating his club career at AFC Cup-bound Ceres-La Salle following his surprising move from German second division side Greuther Furth.

The dynamic midfielder has spent his entire career in Germany playing for his boyhood club, Furth, as well as Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt in the top-flight before deciding to move to the Philippines.

Speaking for the first time since his deal was announced by the Bacolod-based club, the 29-year-old said he’s looking forward to a new challenge with Ceres where he will team up with fellow Fil-Germans Patrick Reichelt, Manny Ott and Kevin Ingreso.

“I’m very happy,” Schrock, who has scored four goals in 22 international matches, told the Inquirer. “I can’t wait to start.”

The transfer to Ceres will also make it easier for Schrock to represent the Azkals as he no longer needs to travel from Europe for the matches.

Perhaps the only thing that has made the move difficult is being away from his family, Schrock said.

“It will be hard during the first part of my stay, but they will follow in April,” said Schrock who has a 3-year-old son with wife Pina.

Schrock is undoubtedly the most high profile signing of the off-season having just played in the German first division a couple of seasons ago. In fact, Schrock was responsible for marking French star Franck Ribery when Frankfurt played German champions Bayern Munich in 2014.

Schrock will also play for Ceres in the UFL Cup which begins Feb. 6 at Rizal Memorial Stadium. Ceres opens its campaign in the AFC Cup on Feb. 23 against Malaysian side Selangor at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

UFL general manager Rely San Agustin believes Schrock’s presence will help raise the level in the club competition.

“I hope I do,” said Schrock, hoping his presence will boost club football in the country. “You know how much I love Philippine football.”

The PFF-Smart National U22 Amateur Championship 2015 will have its Quarter Final, Semi-Final and Final rounds from January 25 to 31, 2016 at the Panaad Sports Complex and North Ceres Football Field, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

This competition showcases emerging top football players across the country.

Filipino-German Stephan Schrock is the latest addition to the growing number of Azkals players in the Ceres-La Salle FC lineup, who will be representing the country in the AFC Cup Group Stage this year.
On its official Facebook page yesterday, Ceres-La Salle FC confirmed Shrock's move to the team.
“April fools no more, the long awaited moment is happening for Philippine football , International Filipino Footballer Stephan Markus Schröck is heading his way to the province of Negros Occidental next week to join the pride of Negros Ceres La Salle Football Club in preparation for AFC Cup, UFL Cup and UFL league 2016”, the message posted on the team's page said.
Although team official have not responded to inquiries as of press deadline, Schrock himself confirmed the report with a message on his official Facebook page, saying he is happy with the new challenge awaiting him with his new club, Ceres La Salle FC.
Schrock, who played in the Bundesliga, Germany's professional football league, was also a member of Germany's U-18, U-19, and U-20 junior teams.
As the latest addition to the Ceres-La Salle FC, he will be playing with fellow Azkals Angel Guirado, Patrick Reichelt, Manny Ott, Paul Mulders and Martin Steuble.
He is also expected to play a vital role in Ceres FC's campaign in the AFC Cup Group Stage where they will play against Tampines/Warriors of Singapore, Selangor of Malaysia, and Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi of Bangladesh in Group E.
With the home-and-away format in the AFC Cup, the Ceres team will playing before the Negrense homecrowd at the Panaad Stadium.*NAB